Holy Father sends condolences to U.S. upon hearing of cardinal’s death

Vatican City, Dec 15, 2008 / 12:02 pm (CNA).- One day after the death of Cardinal Avery Dulles, Benedict XVI sent a telegram to Cardinal Edward Egan, the Archbishop of New York, asking him to send his condolences to the deceased prelate’s family, his fellow Jesuits and to Fordham University, where Fr. Dulles taught.

"I join you in commending the late cardinal's noble soul to God, the Father of Mercies, with immense gratitude for the deep learning, serene judgment and unfailing love of the Lord and His Church which marked his entire priestly ministry and his long years of teaching and theological research," the Pope remarked.

He continued, "At the same time I pray that his convincing personal testimony to the harmony of faith and reason will continue to bear fruit for the conversion of minds and hearts and the progress of the Gospel for many years to come."